USF recruiting patients for Alzheimer's trials

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Researchers are constantly looking for a cure for Alzheimer's. Some groundbreaking studies will soon be getting underway at USF's Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, and they need participants.

The first study, A4, is recruiting adults age 65-85 who have normal memory, but feel they are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. That includes individuals who may have a family history of the disease or who have metabolic conditions that could predispose them to Alzheimer's.

The study hopes to answer the question if earlier therapy can combat this potentially devastating disease. It will test a targeted medication that removes beta amyloid, a sticky protein, known to accumulate in the brain 10 to 15 years before the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms.

Enrollees will receive an estimated $20,000 to $25,000 worth of imaging and cognitive testing at no charge.

The second study is recruiting individuals over the age of 50 with mild memory problems or early Alzheimer's disease. This study focuses on a different protein called Tau protein, which has been associated with several forms of dementia.

Participants receive cognitive testing, MRI imaging, and PET scan imaging specific to finding these proteins in the brain. This study may only be open for two more weeks.

Beginning in early 2016, a third study will focus on the finding the best ways to find amyloid in the brain, with the goal of helping clinicians better diagnose Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. It will use PET scan imaging techniques specific to amyloid and follow participants over the course of two years.

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For more information about these and other clinical trials at the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, please contact: